TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
How much to charge shouldn't be that hard to ascertain. Just call up some
tech writing recruiters and find out how much you are worth. Tell them how
much experience you have and what your technical skills are, and they will
tell you what the market can bear for your services. In addition, you can
talk to people with similar skills who are working as freelancers and find
out what they earn. The market offers a pay range based on experience,
technical expertise, and ability. When a certain technology is hot, like
multimedia or the Internet, say, having skills in those areas increases your
earning power. If your skills or interests are in an area in less demand, or
where there is an oversupply of tech writers, your earning power is less.
What's hot and what's not varies from year to year, so you've got to keep up
with the ever-changing technologies to keep earning top dollar.
